Thanksgiving is coming soon and the winter festivities are beginning to settle in. For this moment, it presents a perfect getaway from COVID-19 chaos to enjoy skiing with your family and loved ones. Be it a great American ski safari or a voyage to the Alps, these top ski resorts across North America and Europe will make your winter holidays memorable.
Latest status of ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada
One of the biggest differences that snowsports lovers will notice this season is the limited options available to them when it comes to selecting a destination for their journey. Many resorts were forced to close across Europe, including Tignes and Les2Alpes in France or the Aosta Valley in Italy. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, Verbier and Crans-Montana are still operative, while Courchevel, Val d’Isère, and Val Thorens are gearing up for their wintertime launch, hoping to abide by current government regulations.
According to the latest Snow-Forecast report, there are currently 12 ski-centres running in the USA. Joined by Canada’s 7 ski centres in the open, North America’s skiing spirit is still vigorous. The state of Colorado which hosts Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Snowmass ski resorts permit their operation under strict COVID-19 rules. In the same vein, Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are still running in the heart of Alberta.
Recommended ski resorts in Europe
Verbier, Switzerland (14th November 2020 – 18th April 2021)
On a sunny plateau at a breathtaking 1500 metres altitude lies Verbier, a charming alpine village which serves as a gateway to Switzerland’s largest ski area – the Quatre Vallées. The resort attracts a cosmopolitan clientele from all over the world due to its over 400km of pistes and dazzling après-ski scene. Sparkling and ritzy, Verbier is the diamond of the Valaisian Alps.
COVID-19 guidelines:
Although Verbier is open for business as usual this winter, visitors will be expected to abide by safety measures in place to reduce the spread of the virus. Such measures include wearing face masks on lifts and registering via an app before entering bars and restaurants.
How to get there:
Our airport transfers from Geneva International Airport (GVA) soars you high above the chaos of the roads and airport transits, immediately plugging you into Verbier’s introductory beauty. With an exclusive group of supercar rentals, your forays to Mont Gelé, and Mont Fort Glacier is made all lighter and comfortable – stylized with the trademark luxury created in the world’s foremost car manufacturers.
Courchevel, France (5th December 2020 – 24th April 2021)
Renowned for the quality of its snow and slopes, Courchevel is a haven for skiing enthusiasts, and its wealth of experiences cement its status as one of the world’s foremost luxury mountainside resorts. Nestled into the Alps, Courchevel holds a vast array of other sports and activities, from the thrill of dog sledding across vast stretches of sheer white snow, to quiet evenings at one of its selection of Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels.
COVID-19 guidelines:
Resort officials are working tirelessly to enable full access to the area’s facilities and services. As of today (23rd November), there are no limitations on the number of people on the slopes or the number of ski passes on sale. However, visitors are required to wear face coverings in the resort and abide by social distancing rules.
How to get there:
With ROLZO luxury car service, the time you spend in Courchevel is elevated even further. Hire an SUV and traverse Courchevel at your leisure. Alternatively, travel to and from Lyon Airport (LYS) or Geneva Airport (GVA) in peerless comfort by hiring a private driver, whether you are heading to the resort after a long flight and wish to rest, or are starting your journey from there.
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy (28th November 2020 – 3rd May 2021)
Italy’s best known mountain resort is a delight for winter lovers of all ages. Offering astounding views of the Dolomites, Cortina D’Ampezzo has become synonymous with snowsport extravaganza after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. The tradition of major events continues, with the 2021 World Alpine Ski Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics both being hosted in Cortina. Nevertheless, Cortina offers an all-encompassing experience: whether one wishes to venture on its perfectly groomed slopes or spoil themselves shopping on the legendary Corso Italia, the resort delivers impeccable service throughout.
COVID-19 guidelines:
Cortina has stringent safety measures in place to guarantee the safety and protect the health of its visitors this ski season. In public and enclosed spaces, people must maintain a 1-metre distance from everyone they interact with, always wearing a mask and practising hand hygiene. Skiers and snowboarders must maintain a 2-metre distance whether they are on the slopes or in the ski lifts.
How to get there:
Cortina is easily accessible from Venice Airport (VCE), which serves as Italy’s fourth-busiest international airport. Our private driver service makes certain to ease the burden of your travels and let you relax on your way there and back.
Recommended ski resorts in the US and Canada
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada (27th November 2020 – 14th April 2021)
Famed for its Olympic-tier slopes, Mont Tremblant is a haven for snowboarders and skiers alike, with kilometre upon kilometre of immaculate snow taking intrepid explorers past gorgeous Laurentian scenery. It is not just the slopes that draw people to the area though – quaint villages and first-class hotels decorate the resort, providing a place to rest and take in the mountaintop views.
COVID-19 guidelines:
According to the latest guidelines issued by the authorities of Quebec, tourists over the age of 10 must wear face covering both outdoors and indoors and abide by social distancing measures in ski rental locations, chalets, bars and restaurants. They may only share a ski lift with their household members, meaning that gondola lifts may only be used at 50% capacity.
How to get there:
Have a private chauffeur take you to your destination from the airport to the slopes, or simply tour the area. If you would rather take the wheel yourself, our car rental service provides access to an array of world-class SUVs, putting the world’s finest makes and models at your disposal.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada (25th November 2020 – 4th April 2021)
Whistler’s pristine white snow and world-class slopes are perhaps what it is best known for – though they are hardly the only attractions it has to enchant visitors. An array of shops, and exquisite collection of culinary experiences cement it as a prime year-round destination.
COVID-19 guidelines:
Face coverings are mandatory to access the mountain, in all indoor spaces, including chairlifts and gondolas. Moreover, a reservation system will facilitate on-mountain access whereby pass holders get priority access. All payments are cashless, be it for accommodation, food and drink or ski schools, and online bookings and advance payments are recommended.
How to get there:
Ranked as one of Canada’s busiest airports, Vancouver International (YVR) is the closest airport to Whistler, with the city itself being approximately two hours away from Vancouver. Make the journey there in absolute comfort with our private driver service.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, US (25th November 2020 – 4th April 2021)
Aspen is one of the world’s foremost mountain vacation spots – heralding a big part of the spring allure of Colorado. The town’s seasonal beauty hypnotises many visitors; Aspen’s international acclaim as a thriving ski resort is credited to its four separate mountains, each carrying a unique kind of individuality.
COVID-19 guidelines:
Visitors to Aspen will be required to wear face covering and keep a social distance of 6 feet in indoor spaces including ski lifts, which will operate at limited capacity. Many holiday providers now offer cancellation policies that don’t pressure tourists into travelling if they are feeling unwell.
How to get there:
Through our first-class airport car service, we whizz you straight away from the haze and hecticness of Aspen Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Select a car rental from our unique curation and commence your quest for high-end enjoyment in Aspen’s abundance of restaurants and boutiques.
For further information, we invite you to explore ROLZO ‘s fleet and our COVID-SAFE travelling environment.
